Ministry of Minority Affairs press release · 17 March 2026 · pibtracker filter

H.E. Mr. Y. Thong, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Ethnic & Religious Affairs, Vietnam, accompanied by delegation, today called on Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs, during his visit to India

PRID2241121 MinistryMinistry of Minority Affairs Released Reading9 min

The meeting reflected on the long-standing historical and civilisational ties between India and Vietnam, including their shared Buddhist heritage and strong people-to-people connections Posted On: 17 MAR 2026 2:31PM by PIB Delhi H.E. Mr. Y. Thong, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Ethnic & Religious Affairs, Vietnam, accompanied by a delegation, today called on Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs, during his visit to India. The meeting reflected on the long-standing historical and civilisational ties between India and Vietnam, including their shared Buddhist heritage and strong people-to-people connections. Both sides also noted the significance of the 10th year of the India&ndash;Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and discussed ways to further deepen bilateral cooperation. Welcoming the visiting dignitary, Dr. Kumar expressed appreciation for the Minister’s participation in the Bharat Tribes Festival 2026 and acknowledged Vietnam as a key partner in India’s Act East Policy .He emphasised that India accords high priority to its historically close and trusted relationship with Vietnam. He further highlighted the deep civilisational connection and strong people-to-people linkages between the two countries, noting that the shared Buddhist heritage continues to serve as a vital bridge between the societies of India and Vietnam. Dr. Kumar also conveyed appreciation for the profound reverence shown by the people of Vietnam during the public exposition of the Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha from Sarnath held in 2025. The exposition, which witnessed participation from millions of devotees, was described as a reflection of the shared spiritual heritage and enduring friendship between the two nations, further strengthening the collective commitment to preserving and promoting the teachings of Lord Buddha. The two sides noted that India and Vietnam have entered the 10th year of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, marking an important milestone in contemporary bilateral relations. Both sides emphasised the importance of commemorating this milestone in a befitting manner, with heritage and cultural linkages playing a key role. It was also noted that both countries are working on a series of engagements throughout the year in this regard. The meeting was held in a warm and cordial atmosphere, reflecting the mutual trust, respect and enduring friendship that underpin India-Vietnam relations. The Ministry of Minority affairs reiterates its dedication to support minority welfare and development through robust schemes, informed policymaking, and continuous outreach. *** AK/MR (Release ID: 2241121) Visitor Counter : 339 Read this release in: Urdu , Marathi , हिन्दी , Punjabi Ministry of Minority Affairs H.E. Mr. Y. Thong, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Ethnic & Religious Affairs, Vietnam, accompanied by delegation, today called on Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs, during his visit to India The meeting reflected on the long-standing historical and civilisational ties between India and Vietnam, including their shared Buddhist heritage and strong people-to-people connections Posted On: 17 MAR 2026 2:31PM by PIB Delhi H.E. Mr. Y. Thong, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Ethnic & Religious Affairs, Vietnam, accompanied by a delegation, today called on Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs, during his visit to India. The meeting reflected on the long-standing historical and civilisational ties between India and Vietnam, including their shared Buddhist heritage and strong people-to-people connections. Both sides also noted the significance of the 10th year of the India&ndash;Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and discussed ways to further deepen bilateral cooperation. Welcoming the visiting dignitary, Dr. Kumar expressed appreciation for the Minister’s participation in the Bharat Tribes Festival 2026 and acknowledged Vietnam as a key partner in India’s Act East Policy .He emphasised that India accords high priority to its historically close and trusted relationship with Vietnam. He further highlighted the deep civilisational connection and strong people-to-people linkages between the two countries, noting that the shared Buddhist heritage continues to serve as a vital bridge between the societies of India and Vietnam. Dr. Kumar also conveyed appreciation for the profound reverence shown by the people of Vietnam during the public exposition of the Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha from Sarnath held in 2025. The exposition, which witnessed participation from millions of devotees, was described as a reflection of the shared spiritual heritage and enduring friendship between the two nations, further strengthening the collective commitment to preserving and promoting the teachings of Lord Buddha. The two sides noted that India and Vietnam have entered the 10th year of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, marking an important milestone in contemporary bilateral relations. Both sides emphasised the importance of commemorating this milestone in a befitting manner, with heritage and cultural linkages playing a key role. It was also noted that both countries are working on a series of engagements throughout the year in this regard. The meeting was held in a warm and cordial atmosphere, reflecting the mutual trust, respect and enduring friendship that underpin India-Vietnam relations. The Ministry of Minority affairs reiterates its dedication to support minority welfare and development through robust schemes, informed policymaking, and continuous outreach. *** AK/MR (Release ID: 2241121) The meeting reflected on the long-standing historical and civilisational ties between India and Vietnam, including their shared Buddhist heritage and strong people-to-people connections" /> <span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">H.E. Mr. Y. Thong, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Ethnic &amp; Religious Affairs, Vietnam, accompanied by a delegation, today called on Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs, during his visit to India. The meeting reflected on the long-standing historical and civilisational ties between India and Vietnam, including their shared Buddhist heritage and strong people-to-people connections. Both sides also noted the significance of the 10th year of the India&ndash;Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and discussed ways to further deepen bilateral cooperation.</span></span></p> <p style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><img src="https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/userfiles/image/image001CI61.jpg" style="height:299px; width:602px" /></span></span></p> <p style="text-align:justify">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Welcoming the visiting dignitary, Dr. Kumar expressed appreciation for the Minister’s participation in the Bharat Tribes Festival 2026 and acknowledged Vietnam as a key partner in India’s Act East Policy .He emphasised that India accords high priority to its historically close and trusted relationship with Vietnam. He further highlighted the deep civilisational connection and strong people-to-people linkages between the two countries, noting that the shared Buddhist heritage continues to serve as a vital bridge between the societies of India and Vietnam.</span></span></p> <p style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><img src="https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/userfiles/image/image002HCQ4.jpg" style="height:329px; width:602px" /></span></span></p> <p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Dr. Kumar also conveyed appreciation for the profound reverence shown by the people of Vietnam during the public exposition of the Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha from Sarnath held in 2025. The exposition, which witnessed participation from millions of devotees, was described as a reflection of the shared spiritual heritage and enduring friendship between the two nations, further strengthening the collective commitment to preserving and promoting the teachings of Lord Buddha.</span></span></p> <p style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><img src="https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/userfiles/image/image003K870.jpg" style="height:354px; width:602px" /></span></span></p> <p style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><img src="https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/userfiles/image/image00483S0.jpg" style="height:398px; width:601px" /></span></span></p> <p style="text-align:justify"><br /> <span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The two sides noted that India and Vietnam have entered the 10th year of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, marking an important milestone in contemporary bilateral relations. Both sides emphasised the importance of commemorating this milestone in a befitting manner, with heritage and cultural linkages playing a key role. It was also noted that both countries are working on a series of engagements throughout the year in this regard.</span></span></p> <p style="text-align:justify">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><img src="https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/userfiles/image/image00542XP.jpg" style="height:401px; width:602px" /></span></span></p> <p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The meeting was held in a warm and cordial atmosphere, reflecting the mutual trust, respect and enduring friendship that underpin India-Vietnam relations. The Ministry of Minority affairs reiterates its dedication to support minority welfare and development through robust schemes, informed policymaking, and continuous outreach.</span></span></p> <p style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">***</span></span></p> <p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:16px"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">AK/MR</span></span></p> " /> var mPlayer = document.getElementById("background_music"); var mPlayAction = document.getElementById("playbutton"); var isPlaying = false; function playAudio() { mPlayer.play(); isPlaying = true; document.getElementById('stopA').style.display = "block"; document.getElementById('playA').style.display = "none"; } function pauseAudio() { mPlayer.pause(); isPlaying = false; document.getElementById('playA').style.display = "block"; document.getElementById('stopA').style.display = "none"; } //function HandleAudio() { // if (isPlaying == true) { // //Playing already Pause it // pauseAudio(); // } else { // //Play the music // playAudio(); // } //} var synth = window.speechSynthesis; function CleanHtml(html) { html = html.replace(/ /gi, ''); return html; } function stripHtml(html) { let tmp = document.createElement("DIV"); tmp.innerHTML = CleanHtml(html); return tmp.textContent || tmp.innerText || ""; } $(document).ready(function () { //for responsive tables $("table").each(function () { if (!$(this).closest(".table-responsive").length) { $(this).wrap(" "); } }); var width = $(window).width(); if (width $(document).ready(function () { var width = $(window).width(); if (width @media print { .sticky-social, .sticky-social_mb, .pull-right, #printPDF { display: none !important; } } .f_vl { padding-right: 30px; font-size: 17px; cursor: pointer; } .log_oo { // width: 20%; display: flex; justify-content: space-between; } .log_oo img { width: 150px; /*width: 100%; height: auto;*/ } .sticky-social_mb { position: fixed; bottom: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; width: 100%; } .social_mb { list-style: none; 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height: auto !important; } p img { max-width: 90% !important; height: auto !important; } h2 { font-size: 20px !important; font-weight: 600 !important; } h3 { font-size: 18px !important; font-weight: 600 !important; } } /* === Film Roll Badge Styling(IFFI2025 countdown) === */ .film-roll-badge { position: absolute; top:82%; right: 20px; width: 230px; height: 70px; background: repeating-linear-gradient( to right, #9a2375 0px, #9a2375 18px, #6e2b8b 18px, #6e2b8b 36px ); border-top: 8px solid #9a2375; border-bottom: 8px solid #9a2375; border-radius: 8px; overflow: hidden; box-shadow: 0 4px 12px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.4); animation: moveFilm 8s linear infinite; z-index: 10; } /* film sprocket holes */ .film-roll-badge::before, .film-roll-badge::after { content: ""; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 10px; background: repeating-linear-gradient( to right, #9a2375 0px, #9a2375 10px, #fff 10px, #fff 20px ); left: 0; z-index: 2; } .film-roll-badge::before { top: -4px; } .film-roll-badge::after { bottom: -4px; } .film-roll-inner { position: relative; height: 100%; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; animation: flicker 2s infinite ease-in-out; } .countdown-text { font-size: 1.3rem; font-weight: 700; color: #fff; text-shadow: 0 0 6px rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.4), 0 0 10px #000; white-space: nowrap; } /* === Animations === */ @keyframes moveFilm { 0% { background-position: 0 0; } 100% { background-position: 120px 0; } } @keyframes flicker { 0%, 100% { opacity: 1; } 50% { opacity: 0.9; } 25% { opacity: 0.95; } 75% { opacity: 0.85; } } /* === Responsive Adjustments === */ @media (max-width: 1500px) { .film-roll-badge { top: 68%; right: 18px; /* width: 220px; */ height: 65px; font-size: 0.85rem; } .press-section { margin-top: 35px; } } @media (max-width: 992px) { .film-roll-badge { top: 52%; right: 10px; width: 200px; height: 60px; } } @media (max-width: 768px) { .film-roll-badge { top: 56%; right: 10px; width: 124px; height: 55px; } .countdown-text { font-size: 0.9rem; } } @media (max-width: 576px) { .film-roll-badge { top: 59%; right: 5px; /* width: 160px; */ height: 50px; } .countdown-text { font-size: 0.85rem; } } const festivalStart = new Date("2025-11-20T00:00:00").getTime(); const festivalEnd = new Date("2025-11-28T23:59:59").getTime(); const countdownElement = document.getElementById("countdown"); const interval = setInterval(() => { const now = new Date().getTime(); // BEFORE FESTIVAL — show days + hours left if (now = festivalStart && now el.style.width = "350px"); clearInterval(interval); } }, 1000); //